Silent Lonesome Man

Among supporters of Russian invasion of Ukraine since February 2022, one of the most surprising supporters of Russia, to be frank, are the Africans. Though most supports are founded entirely in West, East and South, rather than in North Africa, but this is a huge disparity considering that North Africa only contributed over 15% of the population of the continent. This shocking high amount of pro-Russian sympathy toward Africa is not entirely unfounded, and so is the pro-Chinese sentiment among Africans. Yet a major distinction is that, African love for Russia and China do not necessary mean they will see them parts of Europe and Asia. In the mind of Africans, mostly the less educated Sub-Saharan ones, Russia and China are like in a different planet than the remaining countries, even if this is compared to Latin America. What has fuelled Africans to become indulged in their own hypocrisies about Russia and China have to be understood from the past of the Africans. From colonial backgrou...

When we look at various internet websites, notably YouTube or Twitter, about the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine, one of the surprise supporters of Russia invading Ukraine come from Africa. To be precise, many Africans, in particular, support Russia from the first days because of historical involvement in the continent. Yet, it is too easy to judge that the Russian assault on Ukraine is echoed by Africans, if you are too blind of geography. The continent is not monolith, and Africans are not just the dark-skinned. It also included the Afro-Malay sea surfers in East Africa, Arabised Blacks from Niger-Congo delta, the lively Southern African tribes with their warrior mentality, and even the North Africans of Amazigh, Arab and partially Turkish/European origins. Failure to understand that not all Africans supporting Russia may have exacerbated the differences, not just between Africa and the West, but also between Africans themselves. Sadly, these divisions have been long, if not sayin...

I used to talk much about football in Asia and Europe, so when it comes to Africa, literally it is a region where knowledge about football vary. Of course, Africa has over 55 countries with different cultures and norms, especially even more relevant with the north-south divide from the Sahara desert. So far, North and West Africa have been the most successful regions of Africa, and also frequent participants in the FIFA World Cup. Southern and Central Africa, on the other hand, do have teams that take parts in World Cup and have African glories, though limited compared to North and West Africa. Only East Africa has little success, with Sudan and Ethiopia being the only two African champions, they have not even taken part in a World Cup. I think it is a perfect time to have a short glimpse, but hopeful, about one nation, for a long time, ravaged by wars and instabilities, but now is finding back where it belongs, to progress. Yes, this is DR Congo - the second largest country in Africa....